Image-capturing device for generating image-capture data and control device for controlling area image sensor

ABSTRACT

An image-capturing device includes an image-capturing section, an image-data-generation section, a display section, and a timing generator. The image-capturing section is configured and arranged to capture an image of a subject at a timing on the basis of a vertical synchronization signal inputted and generate image-capture data corresponding to a frame. The image-data-generation section is configured and arranged to generate image data on the basis of the image-capture data corresponding to the frame. The display section is configured and arranged to display the image data. The timing generator is configured and arranged to output the vertical synchronization signal. The timing generator outputs the vertical synchronization signal at a variable timing in accordance with a generating condition of the image data corresponding to the frame. The image-capturing section generates the image-capture data corresponding to another frame at the timing on the basis of the vertical synchronization signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/276,210 filed on May 13, 2014, which is a continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,883 filed on Jun. 16, 2011, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,786,724. This application claims priority to JapanesePatent Application 2010-136846 filed on Jun. 16, 2010. The entiredisclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/276,210 and13/161,883 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-136846 are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an image-capturing device fordisplaying an image of a subject in a display section, and to a timingcontrol circuit.

Related Art

Image-capturing devices that display on a liquid crystal display imagesthat have been captured by an image sensor are known in the prior art,and various techniques have been developed for preventing displayedimages displayed on a liquid crystal display from being delayed withrespect to the actual subject. In Patent Citation 1, for example, atechnique is disclosed whereby an image signal is read and displayed bya liquid crystal display before writing of the image signal of a singleframe to the VRAM is completed in an image-capturing device providedwith a VRAM for recording an image signal of a single frame.Specifically, a configuration is described in which image display by aliquid crystal display is started at a playback timing that is delayedby ΔT from the drive timing of the image sensor.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-243615 (PatentCitation 1) is an example of the related art.

SUMMARY

In the technique of Patent Citation 1, the cycle of the drive timing andthe playback timing is the cycle for processing an image of a singleframe, and a constant ΔT is defined for each frame. In other words, inthe technique of Patent Citation 1, ΔT is described as being defined foreach mode (Patent Citation 1, paragraph 0057), and ΔT is determined sothat reading of image data does not take place before writing thereof(Patent Citation 1, paragraphs 0055 and 0056). Consequently, although ΔTmay fluctuate for each mode, ΔT is a common value for each frame in thesame mode, and the same phase difference ΔT is given for all lines ofthe image that is to be displayed.

However, in a configuration in which image processing for displaying theimage of a subject in a display section is performed based onimage-capture data of an image sensor, the period needed for each typeof image processing may be different for each line. Therefore, in orderto provide a common phase difference ΔT and thereby prevent the readingof image data from taking place before writing thereof in all the linesof the image that is to be displayed, ΔT must be defined so as to have amargin so that reading does not occur prematurely. For example, indefining ΔT, it is necessary to make such considerations as assumingthat the maximum period is needed for various types of image processingfor all the lines. Consequently, in a configuration in which the periodneeded for image processing may fluctuate in line units, a delay mayoccur in line units in the period between capturing of the subject bythe image sensor and displaying in the display section.

Also, because the period needed for image processing may differ forindividual lines, the time needed for image processing of frames, whichare collections of lines, may differ for individual frames. For example,in a live view mode whereby a moving picture is captured and displayed,whereas it is desirable for the frame rate of the image sensor to be ashigh as possible, it is undesirable for image data to be imported fromthe image sensor under conditions in which preparations are not in orderfor carrying out processing to generate the image data of the next frame(due to extension of the image data generation process of the currentframe). The reason is that, depending on the mode of theimage-data-generation section, problems such as, for example,overwriting or destruction of image data of lines for which the imagedata generation process is yet uncompleted may arise.

With the foregoing problem in view, it is an advantage of some aspectsof the invention optimizing the timing of the image data generationprocess.

According to an aspect of the invention, an image-capturing devicecomprises an image-capturing section, an image-data-generation section,a display section, and a timing generator. The image-capturing sectionis configured and arranged to capture an image of a subject at a timingon the basis of a vertical synchronization signal inputted andconfigured and arranged to generate image-capture data corresponding toa frame. The image-data-generation section is configured and arranged togenerate image data on the basis of the image-capture data correspondingto the frame. The display section is configured and arranged to displaythe image data. The timing generator is configured and arranged tooutput the vertical synchronization signal. The timing generator outputsthe vertical synchronization signal at a variable timing in accordancewith a generating condition of the image data corresponding to theframe. The image-capturing section generates the image-capture datacorresponding to another frame at the timing on the basis of thevertical synchronization signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing the number of pixels of the area image sensorand the liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the method for outputting theimage-capturing of the area image sensor;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the signals applied to the displaysection according to the present embodiment;

FIGS. 5A to 5C are timing charts of the signals applied to the areaimage sensor according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a timing chart according to another embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram according to another embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following order.

(1) Configuration of the image-capturing device:

(2) Control of the horizontal synchronization signal:

(3) Control of signals applied to the area image sensor:

(4) Other embodiments:

(1) Configuration of the Image-Capturing Device

FIG. 1 is an image-capturing device 1 according to one embodiment of theinvention. The image-capturing device 1 is provided with an opticalsystem 10, an area image sensor 15, an ASIC 200, a timing generator 30,a display section 40, a CPU 50, a VRAM 51, an SD-RAM 52, a ROM 53, a RAM54, and an operating section 55. The CPU 50 is capable of executing aprogram recorded in the ROM 53 by appropriately utilizing the VRAM 51,the SD-RAM 52, and the RAM 54, and through this program, the CPU 50executes a function for generating image data which indicate a subjectcaptured by the area image sensor 15, in accordance with an operation ofthe operating section 55. The operating section 55 is provided with ashutter button, a dial switch as a mode switching section for switchinga mode, a dial switch for switching an aperture and a shutter speed, anda push button for operating various types of setting menus, and a usercan issue various types of instructions to the image-capturing device 1by operating the operating section 55.

The display section 40 is an EVF (electronic view finder) for displayingan image indicating a subject to be captured and allowing the user tocomprehend the appearance of the subject prior to the capturing of theimage, and image-capturing conditions and other information, and theimage-capturing device 1 according to the present embodiment is amirrorless digital camera provided with an EVF. The display section 40is provided with an interface circuit not shown in the drawing, a liquidcrystal panel driver 41, a liquid crystal panel 42, and an eyepiece lensand other components not shown in the drawing. In the presentembodiment, the liquid crystal panel 42 is a high-temperaturepolysilicon TFT (Thin Film Transistor) provided with three sub-pixelscorresponding to three colors of color filters for each pixel, and thepositions of the pixels are prescribed by coordinates in an orthogonalcoordinate system. A line is composed of a plurality of pixels alignedin the direction parallel to one coordinate axis, and a plurality oflines is aligned in the direction parallel to the other coordinate axis.In the present specification, the direction parallel to the lines isreferred to as the horizontal direction, the direction perpendicular tothe lines is referred to as the vertical direction, and a single screencomposed of all the pixels of the liquid crystal panel 42 is referred toas a single frame.

The liquid crystal panel driver 41 applies a voltage to each sub-pixeland outputs a signal for driving the liquid crystals to the liquidcrystal panel 42. The liquid crystal panel 42 is provided with a gatedriver and a source driver not shown in the drawing, and performsdisplay by a process whereby the gate driver controls the display timingin each pixel of each line in accordance with the signal outputted fromthe liquid crystal panel driver 41, and the source driver applies avoltage that corresponds to the image data of each pixel to each pixelof a line designated by the display timing. In other words, the liquidcrystal panel driver 41 is configured so as to output various types ofsignals for performing display in the liquid crystal panel 42, e.g., avertical synchronization signal (DVsync) for prescribing a period fordisplay of a single frame; a horizontal synchronization signal (DHsync)for prescribing a period for display of a single line; a data activesignal (DDactive) for prescribing a period for importing image datawithin each line; a data clock signal (DDotclock) for prescribing theimport timing of image data of each pixel; and image data (Data) of eachpixel. The image-capturing device 1 according to the present embodimentis provided with the timing generator 30, and the verticalsynchronization signal DVsync, the horizontal synchronization signalDHsync, the data active signal DDactive, and the data clock signalDDotclock are generated by the timing generator 30.

In other words, the timing generator 30 is provided with a displaycontrol section 30 b which is provided with a division circuit or thelike for generating a signal in which the signal level varies insynchrony with the variation timing of a clock signal having apredetermined cycle outputted from a clock signal generation section. Bycontrol of the display control section 30 b, the timing generator 30generates the vertical synchronization signal DVsync, data active signalDDactive, and data clock signal DDotclock in which the signal levelsvary at a timing determined in advance. The output timing of thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync is variable in the presentembodiment, and the output timing is determined depending on theprocessing result of a resizing processing section 20 e, as describedhereinafter.

The liquid crystal panel 42 in the present embodiment is a panel havingan XGA-size pixel count provided with 1024 effective pixels in thehorizontal direction and 768 effective pixels in the vertical direction,and can display gradations corresponding to the Data in any position byadjusting the content and output timing of the image data Data outputtedby the liquid crystal panel driver 41. The configuration in the presentembodiment is one in which the image of the subject is displayed on thebasis of the image-capture data of the area image sensor 15, doing so inthe predetermined subject image display region of the liquid crystalpanel 42, whereas characters indicating image-capturing conditions orother information are displayed in a region apart from the subject imagedisplay region.

In other words, characters indicating image-capturing conditions orother information are displayed as an OSD (on-screen display) togetherwith the image of the subject in the liquid crystal panel 42. The liquidcrystal panel 42 is provided with a large number of pixels in excess ofthe effective pixels in the horizontal direction and the verticaldirection, but in order to simplify the present specification, nodescription is given of the processing that relates to pixels other thanthe effective pixels.

The optical system 10 is provided with a lens 11 for forming a subjectimage on the area image sensor 15, and an aperture 12, a shutter 13, anda low-pass filter 14. Among these components, the lens 11 and theaperture 12 are replaceably attached to a chassis not shown in thedrawing. A CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor,CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor, or other solid image-capturingelement provided with color filters arranged in a Bayer array, and aplurality of photodiodes for accumulating a charge according to aquantity of light by photoelectric conversion for each pixel is used asthe area image sensor 15. The positions of the pixels of the area imagesensor 15 are prescribed by coordinates in an orthogonal coordinatesystem, wherein a line is composed of a plurality of pixels aligned inthe direction parallel to one coordinate axis, and a plurality of linesis aligned in the direction parallel to the other coordinate axis. Inthe present specification, the direction parallel to the lines isreferred to as the horizontal direction, the direction perpendicular tothe lines is referred to as the vertical direction. A single screencomposed of all the pixels of the area image sensor 15 is referred to asa single frame.

In the present embodiment, the area image sensor 15 also operates insynchrony with the various types of signals outputted by the timinggenerator 30. In other words, the timing generator 30 outputs a verticalsynchronization signal (SVsync) for prescribing a period for reading thedetection results of the photodiodes for a single frame; a horizontalsynchronization signal (SHsync) for prescribing a period for reading thedetection results of the photodiodes for a single line; and a data clocksignal (SDotclock) for prescribing the read timing and the like of imagedata of each pixel. In accordance with the vertical synchronizationsignal SVsync, the area image sensor 15 starts to output image-capturedata equivalent to one frame; and within a period prescribed by thehorizontal synchronization signal SHsync sequentially reads outimage-capture data indicating the detection results of photodiodescorresponding to some of the pixels of the area image sensor 15, at atiming in accordance with the data clock signal SDotclock.

The ASIC 200 is provided with an image-data-generation section 20 whichis composed of a circuit for performing processing whereby line buffers52 a through 52 d for a plurality of lines reserved in advance in theSD-RAM 52 are utilized, and image data for displaying an image of thesubject in the display section 40 are generated by pipeline processing.The ASIC 200 may also be an image processing DSP (digital signalprocessor). The line buffers 52 a through 52 d for a plurality of linesmay also be provided to the image-data-generation section 20 or anothercomponent. The display section 40 displays the subject on the liquidcrystal panel 42 on the basis of the generated image data. In otherwords, the user can confirm the subject while utilizing the displaysection 40 as an EVF.

Also, in the case that the user has operated the operating section 55 tocarry out an image capture instruction, in accordance with the imagecapture instruction the area image sensor 15 starts to outputimage-capture data equivalent to one frame in accordance with thevertical synchronization signal SVsync; and, within a period prescribedby the horizontal synchronization signal SHsync, sequentially reads outimage-capture data indicating the detection results of the photodiodescorresponding to all of the effective pixels of the area image sensor15, at a timing in accordance with the data clock signal SDotclock. Theimage-data-generation section 20 then utilizes the SD-RAM 52 or anothercomponent to generate image data in a JPEG format or other format, andthe image data are recorded in a removable memory or the like not shownin the drawing. In other words, the user can generate image data forindicating the subject.

(2) Control of the Horizontal Synchronization Signal

In a case in which image data indicating a subject are recorded in theremovable memory or the like, and printing or another operation isconsidered, the number of pixels of the area image sensor 15 must begreater than a predetermined number in order to obtain high-qualityimage data. Therefore, the effective number of pixels of the area imagesensor 15 in the present embodiment is 5400 pixels in the horizontaldirection and 3600 pixels in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 2.The area image sensor 15 is provided with a large number of pixels inexcess of the effective pixels in the horizontal direction and thevertical direction, but in order to simplify the present specification,no description is given of the processing that relates to pixels otherthan the effective pixels.

On the other hand, the liquid crystal panel 42 is provided with 1024pixels in the horizontal direction and 768 pixels in the verticaldirection, as described above, and is configured so that the image ofthe subject is displayed in the subject image display region (R1 shownin FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, in order to display the image ofthe subject as large as possible while maintaining the aspect ratio(2:3) of the area image sensor 15, a rectangular region of a 2:3 aspectratio whose top side and left and right sides contact the top side andleft and right sides of the liquid crystal panel 42 is adopted as thesubject image display region R1 for displaying the image of the subject.The remaining region is the information display region (region shown inFIG. 2) for displaying characters indicating image-capturing conditionsor other information. Consequently, the subject image display region R1in the liquid crystal panel 42 is composed of 1024 pixels in thehorizontal direction and 682 pixels in the vertical direction. Asdescribed above, the number of pixels of the area image sensor 15 andthe number of pixels of the liquid crystal panel 42 are not the same inthe present embodiment.

Furthermore, since the display in the display section 40 is utilized bythe user to confirm the subject, when the delay between the timing atwhich the subject is captured by the area image sensor 15 and the timingat which the image of the captured subject is displayed by the displaysection 40 is noticeable by the user, the subject seen in the EVF andthe recorded image of the subject are misaligned, and the EVF becomesextremely difficult to use. The delay must therefore be minimal when thedisplay section 40 is used as an EVF.

Therefore, in order for the image captured by the area image sensor 15to be displayed in the display section 40 so that the delay is soextremely short as to not be seen by the human eye, a configuration isadopted in the present embodiment whereby various types of processingare performed by the area image sensor 15 and the image-data-generationsection 20, and the display section 40 causes the image data generatedas a result of the processing to be displayed at high speed.

In other words, the area image sensor 15 according to the presentembodiment is provided with a circuit capable of executing interlacedscanning for reading the detection results of the photodiodes at a ratioof 1 for every n (where n is an odd number) lines aligned in thevertical direction. An adder is also provided for adding m (where m is anatural number) detection results aligned in the horizontal directionamong the photodiodes for performing photoelectric conversion via colorfilters of the same color, and outputting 1/m of the sum (i.e.,outputting the arithmetic average of the m detection results). Thepresent embodiment is configured so that when the display section 40 iscaused to function as an EVF, interlaced scanning and processing by theadder are executed in the area image sensor 15, whereby pixels in thehorizontal direction and the vertical direction are decimated, and theimage-capture data of a smaller number of pixels than the number ofpixels provided to the area image sensor 15 are outputted, and thesubject can thereby be captured at high speed.

In other words, in a live view mode for causing the display section 40to function as an EVF, the area image sensor 15 reads for lines in thevertical direction at a ratio of 1 for every n lines in accordance withthe horizontal synchronization signal SHsync. Also, the process wherebythe result of addition of detection results for m photodiodes by anadder is output as the image-capture data is carried out in accordancewith the data clock signal SDotclock. FIG. 3 shows an example of themethod for outputting the image-capture data of a smaller number ofpixels than the number of pixels provided to the area image sensor 15 inthe present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the rectangles labeled R indicatephotodiodes that correspond to color filters for transmitting light in ared spectrum, the rectangles labeled G indicate photodiodes thatcorrespond to color filters for transmitting light in a green spectrum,and the rectangles labeled B indicate photodiodes that correspond tocolor filters for transmitting light in a blue spectrum.

As shown in FIG. 3, in a case in which the color filters of the pixelsindicated by rectangles are in a Bayer array, since a color filter ofonly one color corresponds to each pixel, the color of each pixel mustbe interpolated by utilizing the surrounding pixels. Therefore, whenlines are decimated to acquire the image-capture data, decimation mustbe performed so that the color filters of adjacent lines afterdecimation are of a different color. Therefore, in the presentembodiment, by acquiring the detection values in the photodiodes of eachline at a ratio of 1 line for every n lines (where n is an odd number)as the image-capture data, it is possible to acquire image-capture datain which the color of each pixel can be specified by interpolation. Inthe present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which theimage-capture data are acquired at a ratio of 1 line for every 5 linesin order to make the number of lines in the vertical direction of thearea image sensor 15 as close as possible to the number of lines in thevertical direction of the subject image display region R1 of the liquidcrystal panel 42. In FIG. 3, the left-directed arrows indicate thatimage-capture data are acquired at a ratio of 1 line for every 5 lines,and in this example, the number of lines in the vertical direction is ⅕,i.e., 720.

In a case in which the color filters are in a Bayer array, the colors ofadjacent pixels in the horizontal direction are different, and the samecolor of color filter occurs at every other position. Therefore,decimation processing can essentially be performed by adding m at everyother pixel for pixels aligned in the horizontal direction andmultiplying the sum by 1/m (i.e., calculating the arithmetic average ofm detection results). In the present embodiment, m is set to 3, due tosuch factors as limitations for the sake of image quality in cases inwhich adding is performed by the adder. In the configuration shown inFIG. 3, in the lowest line shown, the detection results of the threephotodiodes aligned in the horizontal direction that are photodiodes forperforming photoelectric conversion via green color filters are added byan adder S1 and multiplied by ⅓, and the detection results of the threephotodiodes aligned in the horizontal direction that are photodiodes forperforming photoelectric conversion via red color filters are added byan adder S2 and multiplied by ⅓. In this example, the number of pixelsin the horizontal direction is ⅓, i.e., 1800 pixels. In FIG. 2, the datasize after decimation in the area image sensor 15 is indicated by thedashed-line rectangle 15 a.

As described above, in the area image sensor 15, the number of lines inthe vertical direction may be set to 720, and the number of pixels inthe horizontal direction may be set to 1800. However, in suchdecimation, because of n being an odd number in the vertical direction,m being a natural number in the horizontal direction, and other suchlimitations for the sake of image quality, the number of pixels afterdecimation and the number of pixels of the subject image display regionR1 of the liquid crystal panel 42 do not readily coincide. In a case inwhich n and m differ, as described above, the aspect ratio differsbetween the subject and the subject image on the liquid crystal panel42.

A configuration is therefore adopted in the present embodiment in whichresizing is further performed in the image-data-generation section 20for the decimated image-capture data, and image data are generated fordisplay in the subject image display region R1 of the liquid crystalpanel 42. In other words, the image-data-generation section 20 isprovided with a pixel interpolation section 20 a, a color reproductionprocessing section 20 b, a filter processing section 20 c, a gammacorrection section 20 d, and a resizing processing section 20 e. In thisconfiguration, the number of pixels in the vertical direction and thehorizontal direction is modified by the resizing processing section 20 ein the processing for generating the image data, and image data aregenerated which are equivalent to the number of pixels of the subjectimage display region R1 of the liquid crystal panel 42.

The line buffer 52 a is a buffer memory for temporarily recording thedecimated image-capture data outputted from the area image sensor 15,and when the decimated image-capture data are outputted from the areaimage sensor 15, the image-capture data are temporarily recorded in theline buffer 52 a by the processing of the image-data-generation section20. The pixel interpolation section 20 a imports data of the necessarynumber of pixels for generating the colors of the two channels missingin each pixel in the Bayer array from the line buffer 52 a, and whiledoing so, generates the colors of the two channels by interpolationprocessing. As a result, three channels of data are generated in eachpixel. The color reproduction processing section 20 b then performscolor conversion processing for color matching by performing a 3×3matrix computation on the basis of the generated data. The datagenerated by color conversion processing are temporarily recorded in theline buffer 52 b. The filter processing section 20 c then executessharpness adjustment, noise removal processing, and other processing byfilter processing. The gamma correction section 20 d then executes gammacorrection to compensate for a characteristic difference between thecolors indicated by the gradation values of the image-capture data ofthe area image sensor 15 and the colors indicated by the gradationvalues of the image data handled by the display section 40. The datagenerated by gamma correction are temporarily recorded in the linebuffer 52 c.

The number of pixels in the data that is recorded line by line in theline buffer 52 c is one obtained through decimation in the area imagesensor 15. In other words, data of 720 lines in the vertical directionand 1800 pixels in the horizontal direction are recorded line by line.The resizing processing section 20 e performs resizing by sequentiallyreferencing the data recorded in the line buffer 52 c to performinterpolation computation processing and specify the gradation value ofeach channel in the positions between pixels. In the present embodiment,since the decimation in the area image sensor 15 described above is ⅕ inthe vertical direction and ⅓ in the horizontal direction, the aspectratio of the decimated data differs from the aspect ratio of theimage-capture data of the area image sensor 15, as shown in therectangle 15 a in FIG. 2. Therefore, the resizing processing section 20e first performs reduction processing for reduction to a size ofapproximately 57% in the horizontal direction on the basis of the datarecorded in the line buffer 52 c. As a result, the number of pixels inthe horizontal direction is set to 1024. The resizing processing section20 e also performs reduction processing for reduction to a size ofapproximately 95% in the vertical direction. As a result, image data aregenerated for which there are 1024 pixels in the horizontal directionand 682 lines in the vertical direction. The generated image data arerecorded line by line in the line buffer 52 d.

In the present embodiment, by the processing described above, generationprocessing is performed for generating image data that can be displayedin the subject image display region R1 of the liquid crystal panel 42 onthe basis of the image-capture data of the area image sensor 15, but theimage-capture data of the area image sensor 15 have 720 lines in thevertical direction, whereas the number of lines of the image data in thevertical direction is 682, and the number of lines of the liquid crystalpanel 42 in the vertical direction is 768. In other words, differentnumbers of lines are required to capture a single frame and to display asingle frame.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the horizontal synchronizationsignal SHsync, the vertical synchronization signal SVsync, the dataactive signal SDactive, and the data clock signal SDotclock of the areaimage sensor 15 are set to the cycle necessary for driving the areaimage sensor 15. In other words, the timing generator 30 outputs thehorizontal synchronization signal SHsync the number of times and at thetiming whereby the decimation in the vertical direction such asdescribed above can be performed in the area image sensor 15, and theimage-capture data of the number of lines of a single frame can beacquired within the period prescribed by the vertical synchronizationsignal SVsync. The timing generator 30 also outputs the data clocksignal SDotclock the number of times and at the timing wherebydecimation in the horizontal direction such as described above can beperformed, and the image-capture data of the number of pixels of asingle line can be acquired within the period prescribed by thehorizontal synchronization signal SHsync.

On the other hand, in order to minimize the delay period and performdisplay in the liquid crystal panel 42 on the basis of theimage-capturing data outputted line by line from the area image sensor15, a configuration is adopted in the present embodiment whereby thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync is outputted at the time thatthe image data for display of each line of the liquid crystal panel 42are prepared. In other words, the liquid crystal panel 42 in the presentembodiment is capable of displaying lines for which processing by theresizing processing section 20 e is ended. The timing generator 30therefore outputs the horizontal synchronization signal DHsync fordisplaying the Nth line in the vertical direction of the liquid crystalpanel 42 at the time that the processing for generating the image dataof the Nth line (where N is a natural number) is ended.

Specifically, the timing generator 30 is provided with aprogress-information-acquiring section 30 a, and theprogress-information-acquiring section 30 a is capable of acquiring,from the resizing processing section 20 e, progress information forindicating a line for which the processing for generating image data isended in the resizing processing section 20 e. Consequently, throughthis progress information, it is possible to specify a line that can bedisplayed in the liquid crystal panel 42 on the basis of the image data.Therefore, in this configuration, the timing generator 30 outputs thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync in synchrony with the timing atwhich the processing for generating the image data of each line isended, and display of a line for which the processing for generating theimage data is thereby started in the liquid crystal panel 42. Throughthis configuration, display of each line does not start beforepreparation of the image data is finished, and each line can beimmediately displayed with the display preparation thereof is finished.

Since the liquid crystal panel 42 is preferably capable of displayingthe pixels of each line of the liquid crystal panel 42 within thehorizontal synchronization period prescribed by the output timing of thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync, the timing generator 30outputs the data active signal DDactive and the data clock signalDDotclock so that the pixels of a single line can be displayed within aperiod assumed to be the period in which the horizontal synchronizationperiod prescribed by the output timing of the horizontal synchronizationsignal DHsync is shortest.

In the present embodiment, the vertical synchronization signal SVsync ofthe area image sensor 15 and the vertical synchronization signal DVsyncof the liquid crystal panel 42 are set so as to be synchronized in orderto prevent the image-capture data from the area image sensor 15 and thedisplay by the liquid crystal panel 42 from becoming inconsistent byframe units. In other words, the timing generator 30 outputs thevertical synchronization signal DVsync of the display section 40 after apredetermined period from the timing at which the verticalsynchronization signal SVsync of the area image sensor 15 is outputted.As a result, the cycles of the vertical synchronization signals SVsync,DVsync are the same and constant in the present embodiment.Consequently, the display in the liquid crystal panel 42 of the subjectcaptured by the area image sensor 15 is not delayed by the period of asingle frame or longer, and a display of an image of the subjectcaptured at the same timing does not remain on the liquid crystal panel42 for a period of a plurality of frames.

Since the horizontal synchronization period prescribed by the horizontalsynchronization signal DHsync of the liquid crystal panel 42 is ofvariable length in the present embodiment, the cycles of the verticalsynchronization signals SVsync, DVsync are the same and constant evenwhen the horizontal synchronization period varies. Specifically, thetiming generator 30 controls the output signal so that the verticalsynchronization period for displaying a single frame is constant bylengthening or shortening the horizontal synchronization period withrespect to a reference period TH determined in advance, and therebycanceling out the time fluctuation from a reference period TH. Thereference period TH is configured as the horizontal synchronizationperiod in a case in which each of the total number of lines of theliquid crystal panel 42 is displayed for an equal period within thevertical synchronization period.

In the subject image display region R1, a state is attained in which thehorizontal synchronization period can be lengthened by waiting to outputthe horizontal synchronization signal DHsync until the processing forgenerating the image data of each line is ended. In the informationdisplay region R2 of the liquid crystal panel 42 for displayingcharacters indicating image-capturing conditions or other information,the horizontal synchronization period is made shorter than the referenceperiod TH so as to cancel out the cumulative total of the difference ofthe horizontal synchronization period lengthened in the subject imagedisplay region R1 and the reference period TH.

FIG. 4 shows the horizontal synchronization signal DHsync outputted fromthe timing generator 30 configured as described above, and also showsthe data active signal DDactive, the data clock signal DDotclock, andthe progress information. The progress information outputted from theresizing processing section 20 e in the present embodiment is composedof a single pulse in which a low-level output is maintained as theprocessing for generating the image data for a single line is beingexecuted, and a high-level output occurs at a predetermined period atthe time that the processing for generating the image data for a singleline is ended.

When the timing generator 30 acquires the progress information throughthe progress-information-acquiring section 30 a, the horizontalsynchronization signal DHsync is outputted in synchrony with the pulseof the progress information by the processing of the display controlsection 30 b. Therefore, even in a case in which the processing forgenerating the image data of a certain line fails to occur within thereference period TH, the horizontal synchronization signal DHsync is notoutputted until the generation processing is ended, and a horizontalsynchronization period TDH becomes longer than the reference period TH.Consequently, in a case in which the processing for generating the imagedata of a certain line fails to occur within the reference period TH,display of the certain line is not started in the liquid crystal panel42 until the generation processing is completed. Display is also notperformed before preparation of the image data of each line is ended.Furthermore, since the horizontal synchronization signal DHsync isoutputted when the processing for generating the image data of a certainline is ended, the image data of each line is displayed without delaywhen preparation thereof is ended. As described above, since the liquidcrystal panel 42 in the present embodiment is driven in a state in whichthe horizontal synchronization period TDH may be longer than thereference period TH, the invention is suitable for application to asituation in which the period for generating the image data of a singleline to be displayed by the liquid crystal panel 42 may fluctuate. Apossible example of such a situation is one in which the speed of dataoutput processing of the area image sensor 15 or the processing forgenerating image data by the image-data-generation section 20 may differfor each line.

The invention may also, of course, be applied in a situation in whichthe processing speed differs for each line depending on theimage-capturing conditions or the hardware used for capturing and image.For example, the invention can be applied to a configuration in whichthe vertical synchronization period or the horizontal synchronizationperiod of the area image sensor 15 fluctuates, or the period needed forprocessing for generating image data fluctuates due to an operation ofthe operating section 55 by the user. The invention can also be appliedto a configuration in which the vertical synchronization period or thehorizontal synchronization period of the area image sensor 15fluctuates, or the period needed for processing for generating imagedata fluctuates due to the changing of an interchangeable EVF or aninterchangeable lens.

As described above, in the subject image display region R1 in thepresent embodiment, the timing generator 30 adjusts the horizontalsynchronization period TDH in accordance with the progress informationoutputted from the resizing processing section 20 e. The horizontalsynchronization signal DHsync may therefore be lengthened according tothe progress of the processing for generating the image data to bedisplayed in the subject image display region R1, and the horizontalsynchronization period TDH prescribed by the horizontal synchronizationsignal DHsync of the liquid crystal panel 42 is not necessarilyconstant. On the other hand, since the vertical synchronization periodprescribed by the vertical synchronization signal DVsync is constant inthe present embodiment, as described above, the timing generator 30 setsthe output timing of the horizontal synchronization signal DHsync sothat a horizontal synchronization period TDH2 is shorter than theabovementioned reference period TH in the information display region R2,so that displaying of all the lines of the liquid crystal panel 42 endswithin the vertical synchronization period even in a case in which thehorizontal synchronization period TDH in the subject image displayregion R1 is lengthened.

In other words, since the data (referred to as OSD data) of thecharacters indicating the image-capturing conditions or otherinformation can be created in advance and recorded in advance in theVRAM 51 irrespective of operation of the area image sensor 15, anappropriate display can be performed without overtaking the reading ofdata even when a display based on the OSD data is executed according toa short horizontal synchronization period. Therefore, in the presentembodiment, the horizontal synchronization period in the informationdisplay region R2 for displaying characters indicating image-capturingconditions or other information is set so as to be shorter than that ofthe subject image display region R1 for producing a display based on theimage-capture data of the area image sensor 15.

Specifically, the timing generator 30 adjusts the output timing of thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync, and thereby shortens thehorizontal synchronization period TDH2 so that the sum of thedifferences of the lengthened horizontal synchronization period TDH andthe reference period TH in the subject image display region R1, and thesum of the differences of the shortened horizontal synchronizationperiod TDH2 and the reference period TH in the information displayregion R2 coincide. As a result, the following relation obtains:horizontal synchronization period TDH2<reference period≦horizontalsynchronization period TDH. Various configurations can be adopted in theinformation display region R2 as configurations whereby the horizontalsynchronization signal DHsync is outputted so that the horizontalsynchronization period TDH2 is shorter than the reference period TH. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, a configuration may be adopted in which theperiod of shortening in each line is equal to a value T2 obtained bydividing the sum of delay T1 (ΣT1) with respect to the horizontalsynchronization period TH generated in the subject image display regionR1 by the number of lines L2 of the information display region R2. Inother words, a configuration may be adopted in which the value ofhorizontal synchronization period TH−ΔT2 is assumed to be the horizontalsynchronization period TDH2 in the information display region R2.

As described above, in order to produce a suitable display in eachregion on the basis of the horizontal synchronization signal adjustedfor each region of the liquid crystal panel 42 in the presentembodiment, the line numbers of the portions of the liquid crystal panel42 that correspond to the subject image display region R1 and theinformation display region R2 are determined in advance. For example, inthe example shown in FIG. 2, lines 1 through 682 are the subject imagedisplay region R1, and lines 683 through 768 are the information displayregion R2. Therefore, the timing generator 30 outputs the horizontalsynchronization signal DHsync so that the horizontal synchronizationperiod TDH2 is shorter than the abovementioned reference period THduring display in the information display region R2 that corresponds tolines 683 through 768, while the timing generator 30 outputs thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync at a timing in accordance withthe abovementioned progress information during display in the subjectimage display region R1 that corresponds to lines 1 through 682.

The ASIC 200 is also provided with an image data output section 201, andthe image data output section 201 outputs the image data (Data) recordedin the line buffer 52 d to the display section 40 line by line duringdisplay of lines 1 through 682 of the liquid crystal panel 42. As aresult, the image of the subject captured by the area image sensor 15 isdisplayed in the subject image display region R1.

The CPU 50 records OSD data to the VRAM 51 prior to at least display inan information display region R2. During display in lines 683 through768 of the liquid crystal panel 42, the image data output section 201outputs the OSD data recorded in the VRAM 51 to the display section 40line by line as the image data (Data). As a result, charactersindicating image-capturing conditions and the like are displayed in theinformation display region R2.

Through this configuration, display of image-capturing conditions orother information by the OSD data is performed within a short horizontalsynchronization period in the information display region R2, while thesubject captured by the area image sensor 15 is displayed in the subjectimage display region R1 in a state of minimal delay. Then, in the mannerdescribed above, the horizontal synchronization periods are controlledsuch that the sum of differences between the reference period TH and thelengthened horizontal synchronization period TDH in the subject imagedisplay region R1 and the sum of differences between the referenceperiod TH and the shortened horizontal synchronization period TDH2 inthe information display region R2 coincide, whereby display by thedisplay section 40 can take place under conditions in which the cyclesof the vertical synchronization signals SVsync, DVsync are the same andconstant. Consequently, the display in the liquid crystal panel 42 ofthe subject captured by the area image sensor 15 is not delayed by theperiod of a single frame or longer, and the same image does not remaindisplayed on the liquid crystal panel 42 for a plurality of frameperiods.

(3) Control of Signals Applied to the Area Image Sensor

In the present embodiment, furthermore, the output timing of thevertical synchronization signal SVsync is variable in accordance withconditions of progress of processing by the image data processingsection 20. For this purpose, the timing generator 30 is provided with asensor control section 30 c (corresponding to the image-capture controlsection). The sensor control section 30 c outputs the verticalsynchronization signal SVsync at a point in time when preparations havebeen made for carrying out processing to generate image data of theframe (next frame) that follows the frame (current frame) which is beingprocessed to generate the current image data. As mentioned above, in thecase that the time needed for processing to generate image data differsfor individual lines, the time needed for processing to generate imagedata corresponding to the equivalent of one frame may differ as well.FIG. 5A shows an example thereof. Let the reference cycle of thevertical synchronization signal SVsync be denoted as TSV0. The exampleof FIG. 5A depicts a situation in which, at a timing coincident withoutput of the vertical synchronization signal corresponding to then+1-th frame (the timing of the reference cycle TSV0), the image datageneration process for the n-th frame has ended, and preparations are inorder for carrying out the image data generation process for the n+1-thframe. The progress information shown in FIG. 5A is a signal identicalto the progress information described using FIG. 4.

The n+1-th frame of FIG. 5A shows an example in which, at a timingcoincident with the elapsing of the reference cycle TSV0 followingoutput of the vertical synchronization signal SVsync corresponding tothe n+1-th frame, preparations are not in order for starting processingto generate image data of the n+2-th frame. In other words, at timingcoincident with elapse of the reference cycle TSV0, processing togenerate image data corresponding to the n+1-th frame up through thelast line thereof has not yet ended. The description continues on theassumption that, in the present embodiment, there has arisen a conditionwhereby, after generation of image data corresponding to the last lineof the current frame has ended and the image data has been output to thedisplay section 40 by the image data output section 201, preparationsare not in order in the image-data-generation section 20 for acquiringthe image-capture data corresponding to the next frame and for startingprocessing to generate the image data of the next frame. At timingcoincident with an elapsing of the reference cycle TSV0 following outputof the vertical synchronization signal SVsync corresponding to then+1-th frame of FIG. 5A, if the processing to generate image datacorresponding to the last line of the n+1-th frame has not yet endedwhen the vertical synchronization signal SVsync is output at the timingin question, the image-capture data corresponding to the next frame willbe acquired from the area image sensor 15 under conditions in whichpreparations for starting processing to generate image datacorresponding to the next frame are still not in order in theimage-data-generation section 20.

In order to prevent this, at a timing coincident with the elapsing ofthe reference cycle TSV0, the sensor control section 30 c decideswhether or not a period that extends from the start of processing togenerate image data corresponding to one frame, up to a condition inwhich preparations are in order for starting of processing to generateimage data corresponding to the next frame, should be lengthened tolonger than the reference cycle TSV0; and in the case of an extension,waits to output the vertical synchronization signal SVsync of the nextframe until preparations for carrying out processing to generate imagedata corresponding to the next frame are in order in theimage-data-generation section 20. Then, after preparations are in orderin the image-data-generation section 20, the sensor control section 30 coutputs the vertical synchronization signal SVsync to the area imagesensor 15.

The reference cycle TSD0 of the dot clock SDotclock which is output tothe area image sensor 15 is determined in advance by the specificationsof the area image sensor 15. Likewise, the reference pulse count PSD0 ofthe dot clock SDotclock which is output to the area image sensor 15during the period of one cycle of the horizontal synchronization signalSHsync is also determined in advance as a specification of the areaimage sensor 15. The reference pulse count PSH0 of the horizontalsynchronization signal SHsync which is output to the area image sensor15 during the period of one cycle of the vertical synchronization signalSVsync is determined as well. Similarly, the reference cycle TSV0 of thevertical synchronization signal SVsync is determined in advance byspecifications.

In the present embodiment, for the purpose of determining whether or nota period longer than the reference cycle TSV0 will be needed to putpreparations in order for processing to generate image datacorresponding to the next frame, the number of lines for whichprocessing to generate image data has been completed is identified fromthe progress information of the line units output from the resizingprocessing section 20 c. If, within the period of the reference cycleTSV0, processing to generate image data has been completed up throughthe last line, the vertical synchronization signal SVsync for thepurpose of acquiring the image-capture data of the next frame is outputat the timing of the reference cycle TSV0 (the n+1-th verticalsynchronization signal of FIG. 5A). If, at timing coincident with theelapsing of the period of the reference cycle TSV0, processing togenerate image data up through the last line has not yet ended, thesensor control section 30 c outputs the vertical synchronization signalSVsync (the n+2-th vertical synchronization signal of FIG. 5A) onlyafter it has been verified, on the basis of progress information, thatprocessing to generate image data corresponding to the last line hasended. In other words, the sensor control section 30 c prolongs theactual cycle TSV of the vertical synchronization signal SVsync for aperiod of time longer than the reference cycle TSV0.

Specifically, in the case that, at timing coincident with the elapsingof the reference cycle TSV0, processing to generate the image data upthrough the last line has not ended, the sensor control section 30 ccontinues to output a dummy horizontal synchronization signal SHsync asshown in FIG. 5A, until it is verified on the basis of the progressinformation that processing to generate the image data corresponding tothe last line has ended. In other words, the horizontal synchronizationsignal SHsync is output in excess of the reference pulse count PSH0which is output in the reference cycle TSV0, and the period until outputof the next vertical synchronization signal SVsync (cycle TSV) isprolonged for a period of time longer than the reference cycle TSV0. Thecircuit configuration in the present embodiment is such that, despitethe dummy horizontal synchronization signal SHsync being output inexcess of the reference pulse count PSH0, no vertical synchronizationsignal is output for an interval which lasts until a pulse of progressinformation indicating that the processing to generate image data of thelast line has ended. The area image sensor 15 ignores the dummyhorizontal synchronization signal SHsync, and dummy image-capture datais not generated in response to the signal in question. In the case ofthe example shown in FIG. 5A, the cycle TSD of the dot clock SDotclockremains at the reference cycle TSD0, and the cycle TSH of the horizontalsynchronization signal SHsync remains at the reference cycle TSH0.

As another method for prolonging the vertical synchronization signalSVsync, as shown in FIG. 5B, the sensor control section 30 c mayincrease the pulse count PSD of the dot clock SDotclock during theperiod of one cycle of the horizontal synchronization signal SHsync toone greater than the reference pulse count PSD0, and thereby prolong thecycle TSH of the horizontal synchronization signal SHsync for a durationlonger than the reference cycle TSH0. As a result, the period untiloutput of the next vertical synchronization signal SVsync (cycle TSV)may be prolonged for a period of time longer than the reference cycleTSV0. The area image sensor 15 ignores the dummy dot clock SDotclock,and dummy image-capture data is not generated in response to the signalin question. Also, in a case where the cycle TSH of the horizontalsynchronization signal SHsync is prolonged for a period of time longerthan the reference cycle TSH0 by increasing the pulse count PSD of thedot clock SDotclock during the period of one cycle of the horizontalsynchronization signal SHsync to one greater than the reference pulsecount PSD0, while it is preferable for the pulse count of the horizontalsynchronization signal SHsync generated in the period of one cycle ofthe vertical synchronization signal SVsync to be constant, the pulsecount of the horizontal synchronization signal SHsync generated in theperiod of one cycle of the vertical synchronization signal SVsync may bevariable as well. At this time, the cycle TSD of the dot clock SDotclockremains at the reference cycle TSD0.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5C, without reducing the pulse count PSDof the dot clock SDotclock during the period of one cycle of thehorizontal synchronization signal SHsync, the sensor control section 30c may prolong the cycle TSH of the horizontal synchronization signalSHsync for a period of time longer than the reference cycle TSH0 byprolonging the cycle TSD of the dot clock SDotclock for a period of timelonger than the reference cycle TSD0. As a result, the period untiloutput of the next vertical synchronization signal SVsync (cycle TSV)may be prolonged for a period of time longer than the reference cycleTSV0. In this case, the pulse count PSH of the horizontalsynchronization signal SHsync per one cycle of the verticalsynchronization signal SVsync is not reduced to one smaller than thereference pulse count PSH0.

As described above, in the present embodiment, acquisition ofimage-capture data from the area image sensor 15 can start underconditions in which preparations are in order for starting processing togenerate the image data of the next frame. As a result, it is possibleto prevent overwriting or destruction of lines for which processing togenerate the image data is not yet complete by the image-capture data.

(4) Other Embodiments

The embodiment described above is merely one example of how theinvention is implemented, it being possible to adopt various otherembodiments, such as combinations of the following modified examples,without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, a back porch of the horizontal synchronization signalDHsync may be lengthened when the horizontal synchronization period TDHis made longer than the reference period TH. In this configuration, theoutput period of progress information from the resizing processingsection 20 e is detected in the progress-information-acquiring section30 a in the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In other words, the periodTS(N−1) is detected between the progress information outputted at thetime that processing for generating the image data of the (N−1)th lineis ended and the progress information outputted at the time thatprocessing for generating the image data of the Nth line is ended. Thetiming generator 30 then determines the length of the back porch of thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync of the Nth line on the basis ofthe period TS(N−1), and outputs various types of signals.

In other words, by the processing of the display control section 30 b,the timing generator 30 outputs a signal DHsync2 indicating a prechargeperiod when a period ΔT1 has elapsed after outputting of the horizontalsynchronization signal DHsync of the Nth line, as shown in FIG. 6, theperiod ΔT1 being obtained by subtracting the length of the referenceperiod TH from the length of the period TS(N−1). By the processing ofthe display control section 300 b, the timing generator 30 then outputsDDactive when the predetermined precharge period has elapsed afteroutputting of the signal DHsync2, and outputs the horizontalsynchronization signal DHsync of the (N+1)th line, providing a frontporch having a predetermined period after maintaining the level ofDDactive until the data clock signal DDotclock of the number of pixelsof a single line is outputted. The period from the start of theprecharge period until the end of the front porch coincides with thereference period TH. Consequently, the horizontal synchronization periodTDH, which is the period between the horizontal synchronization signalDHsync of the Nth line and the horizontal synchronization signal DHsyncof the (N+1)th line, is the sum of the reference period TH and ΔT1. As aresult, N lines can be displayed with precharging, inversion, and otheroperations synchronized with the signal DHsync2 in the liquid crystalpanel 42, and the horizontal synchronization period TDH can be madelonger than the reference period TH.

In the first embodiment described above, since the front porch of thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync is lengthened, the back porchperiod can be set as a constant period, and the period for performingprecharging, inversion, and other operations can be provided accordingto normal specifications.

In the embodiment described above, the horizontal synchronization signalSHsync is outputted so that the horizontal synchronization period isshorter in the information display region R2 of the liquid crystal panel42 than in the subject image display region R1, in order to cause thecycle of the vertical synchronization signal SVsync of the area imagesensor 15 and the cycle of the vertical synchronization signal DVsync ofthe liquid crystal panel 42 to coincide, but the cycle of the verticalsynchronization signal SVsync and the cycle of the verticalsynchronization signal DVsync of the liquid crystal panel 42 can be madeto coincide by another method. For example, since the area image sensor15 has a larger number of lines than the liquid crystal panel 42 in anormal image-capturing device, in a case in which the horizontalsynchronization period that should be maintained within a specificvertical synchronization period is assumed to be equal, the cycle of thehorizontal synchronization signal DHsync of the liquid crystal panel 42is shorter than the cycle of the horizontal synchronization signalSHsync of the area image sensor 15. Consequently, even in a case inwhich the horizontal synchronization signal DHsync of the liquid crystalpanel 42 is lengthened, it is not often necessary to lengthen thevertical synchronization period of the liquid crystal panel 42 accordingto the lengthening of the horizontal synchronization signal DHsync. In acase in which lengthening the horizontal synchronization signal DHsynccauses the vertical synchronization signal DVsync of the liquid crystalpanel 42 to be longer than the vertical synchronization signal SVsync ofthe area image sensor 15, the vertical synchronization signal SVsync ofthe area image sensor 15 may be lengthened, and the verticalsynchronization signal DVsync and vertical synchronization signal SVsyncmay be synchronized.

In the embodiment described above, a configuration is adopted in whichprogress information is acquired which indicates for each line whetherthe resizing processing of the processing for generating image data isended, but any configuration may be adopted insofar as progressinformation for the processing of the final step is acquired, even in acase in which the final step of the processing for generating the imagedata is not the resizing processing. A configuration may also be adoptedin which the progress information is acquired for processing of a stepprior to the final step (e.g., a step in which the processing time mayfluctuate), insofar as processing can be performed at such a high speedthat the processing time of the final step of processing for generatingthe image data can be ignored, processing can be performed in a certaintime, or it is possible to predict the ending of the final step. In acase in which an image processing step is included for referencing thedata of a plurality of lines and generating data of a single line in theprocessing for generating the image data, the progress information maybe acquired for the included step. That is, it is unnecessary for theprocessing used to generate the image data to have already beencompleted at the point in time that the progress information isacquired, and it may be predicted whether or not processing forgenerating the image data will be completed at the timing of completionof processing for generating the image data based on the acquiredprogress information, or at a prescribed timing.

FIG. 7 is a view indicating an image-capturing device 1 that isconfigured so as to acquire progress information for a plurality ofimage processing steps for referencing the data of a plurality of linesto generate data of a single line. In FIG. 7, the same reference symbolsas those of FIG. 1 are used to refer to constituent elements that arethe same as those in FIG. 1. A timing generator 300 of theimage-capturing device 1 shown in FIG. 7 is capable of acquiringprogress information which indicates a line for which outputting of theimage-capture data from the area image sensor 15 is completed, and aline for which the processing for generating data in each of the colorreproduction processing section 20 b, the gamma correction section 20 d,and the resizing processing section 20 e of the image-data-generationsection 20 is ended. By the processing of a display control section 300b, the timing generator 300 is capable of outputting a trigger signal(e.g., a horizontal synchronization signal) for starting processing forgenerating data of a single line to each of the pixel interpolationsection 20 a, the filter processing section 20 c, and the resizingprocessing section 20 e.

In other words, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, processing of data ofan Lth line can be executed in the pixel interpolation section 20 a whenthe image-capture data of a Kth line is outputted from the area imagesensor 15, and as a result of line-by-line processing by the pixelinterpolation section 20 a and the color reproduction processing section20 b, specification is made in advance that the processing of data of anMth line in the filter processing section 20 c can be executed whenprocessing of the data of the Lth line is ended. As a result ofline-by-line processing by the filter processing section 20 c and thegamma correction section 20 d, specification is also made in advancethat the processing for generating image data of an Nth line can bestarted in the resizing processing section 20 e when processing of thedata of the Mth line is ended.

The timing generator 300 specifies that image-capture data of the Kthline is outputted from the area image sensor 15 on the basis of ahorizontal synchronization signal SHsync having a prescribed cycleoutputted by the timing generator 300. In a case in which specificationis made that the image-capture data of the Kth line is outputted fromthe area image sensor 15, the timing generator 300 outputs the triggersignal to the pixel interpolation section 20 a to start data processingof the Lth line. In a case in which a progress-information-acquiringsection 300 a specifies that processing of the data of the Lth line isended in the color reproduction processing section 20 b, the timinggenerator 300 outputs the trigger signal to the filter processingsection 20 c to start data processing of the Mth line. In a case inwhich the progress-information-acquiring section 300 a specifies thatprocessing of the data of the Mth line is ended in the gamma correctionsection 20 d, the timing generator 300 outputs the trigger signal to theresizing processing section 20 e to start processing for generating theimage data of the Nth line.

When specification is made that processing for generating the image dataof the Nth line by the resizing processing section 20 e is ended, thetiming generator 300 outputs the horizontal synchronization signalDHsync for displaying the Nth line, in the same manner as in theembodiment described above. In other words, in the image-data-generationsection 20, in an image processing step in which it is possible to startgenerating data of a line which is subsequent to recording of the dataof two or more lines in a line buffer, a determination is made as towhether processing for generating data of the lowest necessary number oflines is ended, and the next image processing step is started at thetime that the generation processing is ended. Through thisconfiguration, processing for each line does not start beforepreparation of the necessary data for executing each step is finished,and processing for each line can be immediately started when the data ofeach line are prepared. As a result, the wait time during execution ofeach image processing step is minimized. In the present embodiment,since the data of only the lowest necessary number of lines istemporarily recorded in the line buffers 52 a through 52 d, the capacityof the line buffers 52 a through 52 d can be minimized.

Furthermore, the display section 40 is an EVF which uses a liquidcrystal panel in the embodiment described above, but the display section40 may be a display section other than an EVF. For example, the displaysection 40 may be a display section which uses a liquid crystal panelattached to a back surface of the image-capturing device 1, or a displaysection other than a liquid crystal panel may be used. Theimage-capturing device 1 may also be a single-lens reflex cameraprovided with a mirror, the image-capturing device 1 may be a moviecamera, or the image-capturing device 1 may be a mobile telephone orother device provided with image-capturing functionality. The colorfilters are also in a Bayer array in the area image sensor 15 describedabove, but the invention may also be applied in an image-capturingdevice which utilizes a sensor configured in an arrangement other than aBayer array. The line buffer 52 d may be a line buffer, but may also bea VRAM provided with a recording capacity for recording the image dataof a single frame. Through this configuration, various types ofprocessing can be performed on the basis of the image data to bedisplayed. The horizontal synchronization period is also preferablylengthened with respect to a reference period, and various types ofperiods can be assumed as the reference period. For example, the cycleof the horizontal synchronization signal SHsync of the area image sensor15, the cycle for generating the image data, and other cycles may beused as the reference period. Furthermore, various forms may be adoptedas the form in which various types of signals are transmitted from thetiming generator 30 to the display section 40, and signals may betransmitted by HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) and othermethods. The directions in the embodiment described above may also bereversed. In the horizontal direction, for example, display may beperformed from left to right or from right to left.

Also, in relation to the configuration for variable timing of outputtingthe vertical synchronization signal SVsync on the basis of progressinformation, in the embodiment above, there was described aconfiguration whereby preparations are put in order for startingprocessing for generating image data of the next frame once processingfor generating the image data up through the last line of the currentframe has ended. As another embodiment, there may be adopted aconfiguration whereby preparations are put in order for startingprocessing for generating image data of the next frame once processinghas ended for generating the image data up through an L-th line (where Lis less than the last line) of the current frame within the period ofthe reference cycle TSV0. The Lth line may be determined in advance inaccordance with the buffer that stores the image-capture data from thearea image sensor, the buffers that store data derived from theimage-capture data in question by various types of image processing, andthe like.

In the embodiment described above, there was described an example inwhich the horizontal synchronization signal SHsync is output in excessof the reference pulse count PSH0 which is output in the reference cycleTSV0, and the period until output of the next vertical synchronizationsignal SVsync (cycle TSV) is prolonged for a period of time longer thanthe reference cycle TSV0. In a case where, for example, the referencepulse count PSH0 is set so as to include a margin (i.e., to the pulsecount required for the equivalent of a line, plus a margin), and it isdesired to accelerate the timing for generating the verticalsynchronization signal SVsync, the vertical synchronization signalSVsync may be generated at the point in time of generation of ahorizontal synchronization signal SHsync having a pulse count smallerthan the reference pulse count PSH0. Also, in a case where, for example,the reference pulse count PSD0 of the dot clock SDotclock is similarlyset so as to include a margin, and it is desired to accelerate thetiming for generating the vertical synchronization signal SVsync, thehorizontal synchronization signal SHsync may be generated at the pointin time of generation of a dot clock SDotclock having a pulse countsmaller than the reference pulse count PSD0. As a result, the perioduntil output of the next vertical synchronization signal SVsync (cycleTSV) may made shorter than the reference cycle TSV0.

Each of the processes that were carried out on individual single linesin the preceding embodiment may instead be carried out individualpredetermined units such as a plurality of lines or a plurality ofpixels.

In the embodiment, the processing for generating image datacorresponding to the next frame starts on the basis of progressinformation that relates to the frame for which the image datageneration process is currently being carried out. According to thisconfiguration, acquisition of image-capture data from theimage-capturing section can be started under conditions in whichpreparations are in order for starting the processing for generating theimage data for the next frame. As a result, for example, destruction ofuncompleted image-capture data by the image data generation process maybe prevented.

The image-data-generation section is also preferably capable ofgenerating image data indicating an image of a subject on the basis ofimage-capture data of an image-capturing section (e.g., an area imagesensor), and displaying the image of the subject in the display sectionon the basis of the image data. The processing for generating image datamay be composed of any type of image processing, and the period requiredfor processing may fluctuate according to the image-capture data of theimage-capturing section, a mode in the image-capturing device, theimage-capturing conditions, or other factors. The period required forprocessing may also be unknown. In other words, since the progress ofthe processing for generating image data is dynamically specified by theprogress-information-acquiring section, regardless of the type ofprocessing performed, there is no need for the required period thereofto be specified in advance prior to the start of the processing.

It is sufficient for the progress-information-acquiring section to beable to acquire progress information indicating the progress ofprocessing to generate image data for individual predetermined units(e.g., a one line, several lines, several pixels, or the like). In otherwords, since a predetermined unit for which processing for generatingimage data is ended can be displayed by the display section, theprogress information is preferably defined as information whereby it ispossible to determine for individual predetermined units whether theprocessing for generating image data thereof is ended. Consequently, theprogress information may be information directly or indirectlyindicating that processing for generating image data is ended for anypredetermined unit.

In the former case (direct information), the information may be composedof information indicating that the processing for generating image dataof a single line is ended, information indicating that the processingfor generating image data which indicate a pixel which is positioned atthe end of a single line and is last to be processed is ended,information indicating a line number of a line targeted for theprocessing for generating image data, or other information, for example.In the latter case (indirect information), in a case in which theprocessing for generating image data is composed of a plurality of imageprocessing steps, and the steps include a step in which the requiredperiod needed for an image processing step dynamically fluctuates, and astep in which the required period is constant, the information may becomposed of information indicating that all steps are ended in which theperiod needed for an image processing step dynamically fluctuates. Inother words, since the required period is constant for steps other thansteps in which the period needed for an image processing step maydynamically fluctuate, insofar as it can be specified for a certain linewhether a step is ended in which the period needed for an imageprocessing step may dynamically fluctuate, it is possible to specify thetiming at which the processing for generating image data ends for thecertain line. Moreover, individual lines are not limited to individualsingle lines, and may also be individual groups of several lines.

At a reference timing for outputting a vertical synchronization signalthat controls the start of acquisition of image-capture data of the nextframe which follows the frame for which the image data generationprocess is being carried out, the image-capture control section maydetermine on the basis of progress information whether or notpreparations are in order for starting the processing for generatingimage data corresponding to the next frame in the image-data-generationsection; and, in the case that preparations are not in order, may waituntil preparations are in order until outputting the verticalsynchronization signal. A condition in which preparations are in orderfor starting the processing for generating image data corresponding tothe next frame refers, at a minimum, to a condition such that asituation does not arise in which unprocessed image-capture data (e.g.,image-capture data corresponding to lines for which processing by theimage-data-generation section has not ended) is overwritten or destroyedby the image-capture data of the next frame. The mode of indicating acondition in which preparations are in order will differ depending onconfigurations such as the size and number of buffers for storing theimage-capture data from the image-capturing section and the like. Forexample, in a case where y lines of image-capture data are needed togenerate data of one line in an image process that is the x-th from thebeginning among a plurality of image process steps carried outsequentially by the image-data-generation section for the purpose ofgenerating image data for output to the display section, at the point intime that the x-th image process has ended, and reference to thegenerated data for the process x+1-th image process and use thereof inprocessing has ended, the image-capture data equivalent to y lines usedin the x-th image process is no longer needed. Consequently, theimage-capture data equivalent to y lines in question may be overwrittenor destroyed by the data of the next frame. A situation in which suchoverwriting or destruction is acceptable is one example of a situationin which preparations are in order for acquiring the image-capture dataof the next frame and starting the image data generation process.

During the period of waiting for output of the vertical synchronizationsignal to the image-capturing section, a dummy horizontalsynchronization signal may be output to the image-capturing section, orthe system may wait without application of a dummy horizontalsynchronization signal. In other words, the system may wait for outputof the vertical synchronization signal in various modes depending on thespecifications of the image-capturing section or the circuitconfiguration for generating the horizontal synchronization signal.

In addition to the configuration described above, there may be provideda display control section for causing the display section to display apredetermined unit for which it is specified that processing forgenerating the image data has ended, on the basis of progressinformation indicating the progress of processing for generating imagedata in individual predetermined units. According to this configuration,it is possible to minimize the time lag between display of a certainpredetermined unit and display of the next predetermined unit, and toshorten the display delay of the subject in the display section.

The display control section is capable of causing the display section todisplay a predetermined unit for which the progress informationspecifies that processing for generating image data is ended. In otherwords, in the case of image data indicating an image of one framecomposed of a plurality of lines, the configuration can be such that, ifprocessing for generating image data indicating a given line has notended, the system waits without displaying the line in question, andstarts to display the line in question at the point in time thatprocessing for generating the image data has ended.

The embodiment can be implemented in a timing control circuit in whichthe progress-information-acquiring section and the image-capture controlsection described above are realized as circuits, and are providedtherein as a progress-information-acquiring circuit and an image capturecontrol circuit.

Furthermore, the procedures taught in the embodiment of specifying, onthe basis of progress information for individual lines, whetherprocessing for generating image data has ended and displaying thoselines for which the generating process in question has ended, or ofadopting variable timing of the vertical synchronization signal forapplication to the image-capturing section, may be implemented in aprogram or method. A device, program, or method such as described abovemay be implemented as an independent device or by utilizing a sharedcomponent in a device having multiple functions, and various types ofembodiments are included.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, a control device forcontrolling an image-capturing section which generates image-capturedata at a timing on the basis of a vertical synchronization signalcomprises an image-data-generation section and a timing generator. Theimage-data-generation section is configured and arranged to generateimage data corresponding to a frame on the basis of image-capture datafrom the image-capturing section. The timing generator is configured andarranged to output the vertical synchronization signal to theimage-capturing section. The timing generator outputs the verticalsynchronization signal to the image-capturing section at a variabletiming in accordance with a generating condition of the image datacorresponding to the frame whereby the image-capturing section generatesthe image-capture data at the timing on the basis of the verticalsynchronization signal.

According to another aspect of the embodiment, an image-capturing devicecomprises an image-capturing section, an image-data-generation section,a display section, and a timing generator. The image-capturing sectionis configured and arranged to capture an image of a subject at a timingon the basis of a first vertical synchronization signal inputted andgenerate image-capture data. The image-data-generation section isconfigured and arranged to generate image data on the basis of theimage-capture data. The display section is configured and arranged todisplay the image data at a timing on the basis of a second verticalsynchronization signal inputted. The timing generator is configured andarranged to output the first vertical synchronization signal and thesecond vertical synchronization. The timing generator prolongs anoutputting cycle of the second vertical synchronization signal when anoutputting cycle of the first vertical synchronization signal isprolonged.

According to another aspect of the embodiment, a control device forcontrolling an image-capturing section which generates image-capturedata at a timing on the basis of a first vertical synchronization signalinputted and for controlling a display section which displays image dataat a timing on the basis of a second vertical synchronization signalinputted comprises an image-data-generation section and a timinggenerator. The image-data-generation section is configured and arrangedto generate section generates image data on the basis of image-capturedata from the image-capturing section. The timing generator isconfigured and arranged to output the first vertical synchronizationsignal and the second vertical synchronization signal. The timinggenerator prolongs an outputting cycle of the second verticalsynchronization signal when an outputting cycle of the first verticalsynchronization signal is prolonged.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image-capturing device comprising: an areaimage sensor that generates image-capture data and outputs theimage-capture data corresponding to one frame in response to receivingeither one of a first vertical synchronization signal and a secondvertical synchronization signal that are successive; animage-data-generation circuit that generates image data on the basis ofthe image-capture data corresponding to the one frame; a display thatdisplays the image data corresponding to the one frame in response toreceiving a third vertical synchronization signal; and a timinggeneration circuit that outputs the first and the second verticalsynchronization signals to the area image sensor and the third verticalsynchronization signal to the display, the timing generation circuitoutputting the second vertical synchronization signal such that intervalbetween the first vertical synchronization signal and the secondvertical synchronization signal is changeable, the timing generationcircuit outputting the second vertical synchronization signal at atiming after the first vertical synchronization signal has been outputand the image data corresponding to the one frame has been output to thedisplay and before the third vertical synchronization is output.
 2. Theimage-capturing device according to claim 1, wherein the timinggeneration circuit outputs a fourth vertical synchronization signal tothe display such that interval between the third verticalsynchronization signal and the fourth vertical synchronization signal ischangeable, and the third vertical synchronization signal and the fourthvertical synchronization signal are successive.
 3. The image-capturingdevice according to claim 2, wherein the first vertical synchronizationsignal and the third vertical synchronization signal are synchronized,and the second vertical synchronization signal and the fourth verticalsynchronization signal are synchronized.
 4. The image-capturing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the timing generation circuit outputs afirst horizontal synchronization signal and a second horizontalsynchronization signal to the display such that interval between thefirst horizontal synchronization signal and the second horizontalsynchronization signal is changeable, and the first horizontalsynchronization signal and the second horizontal synchronization signalare successive.
 5. The image-capturing device according to claim 4,wherein a length of a back porch of the first horizontal synchronizationsignal is changed when the interval is changed.
 6. The image-capturingdevice according to claim 5, wherein a length of a back porch of thefirst horizontal synchronization signal is lengthened when the intervalis lengthened.
 7. The image-capturing device according to claim 4,wherein a length of a front porch of the first horizontalsynchronization signal is changed when the interval is changed.
 8. Theimage-capturing device according to claim 7, wherein a length of a frontporch of the first horizontal synchronization signal is lengthened whenthe interval is lengthened.
 9. A control device for controlling an areaimage sensor is configured and arranged to generate image-capture dataand output the image-capture data corresponding to one frame in responseto receiving either one of a first vertical synchronization signal and asecond vertical synchronization signal that are successive, and forcontrolling a display which displays image data corresponding to the oneframe in response to receiving a third vertical synchronization signal,the control device comprising: an image-data-generation circuit thatgenerates the image data on the basis of the image-capture datacorresponding to the one frame; and a timing generation circuit thatoutputs the first and the second vertical synchronization signals to thearea image sensor and the third vertical synchronization signal to thedisplay, the timing generation circuit outputting the second verticalsynchronization signal such that interval between the first verticalsynchronization signal and the second vertical synchronization signal ischangeable, the timing generation circuit outputting the second verticalsynchronization signal at a timing after the first verticalsynchronization signal has been output and the image data correspondingto the one frame has been output to the display and before the thirdvertical synchronization is output.
 10. The image-capturing deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the timing generation circuit outputs afourth vertical synchronization signal to the display such that intervalbetween the third vertical synchronization signal and the fourthvertical synchronization signal is changeable, and the third verticalsynchronization signal and the fourth vertical synchronization signalare successive.
 11. The image-capturing device according to claim 10,wherein the first vertical synchronization signal and the third verticalsynchronization signal are synchronized, and the second verticalsynchronization signal and the fourth vertical synchronization signalare synchronized.
 12. The image-capturing device according to claim 9,wherein the timing generation circuit outputs a first horizontalsynchronization signal and a second horizontal synchronization signal tothe display such that interval between the first horizontalsynchronization signal and the second horizontal synchronization signalis changeable, and the first horizontal synchronization signal and thesecond horizontal synchronization signal are successive.
 13. Theimage-capturing device according to claim 12, wherein a length of a backporch of the first horizontal synchronization signal is changed when theinterval is changed.
 14. The image-capturing device according to claim13, wherein a length of a back porch of the first horizontalsynchronization signal is lengthened when the interval is lengthened.15. The image-capturing device according to claim 12, wherein a lengthof a front porch of the first horizontal synchronization signal ischanged when the interval is changed.
 16. The image-capturing deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein a length of a front porch of the firsthorizontal synchronization signal is lengthened when the interval islengthened.